In Preaching Articles: "Hard Teaching"

Francis Chan: 7 Questions To Ask Before You Preach

By Francis Chan on Feb 20, 2024

In a message at a Desiring God National Conference, Francis Chan highlighted seven questions that he asks himself in preparing to preach.

Scripture: James 5:10-20

Tags: Preaching, preparation, francis chan, teach with love, desiring god, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Study: What Preachers Won't Preach About

By Toni Ridgaway on Mar 27, 2020

Over half of pastors avoid certain topics for fear of losing attendees. This report raises hard questions about courage, clarity, and faithfulness in preaching.

Scripture: Acts 20:17-32

Tags: Preaching, preaching, Biblical Faithfulness

3 Problems With Being Too Nice As A Leader

By Ron Edmondson on Jun 14, 2020

Leaders who avoid hard conversations hurt themselves, their teams, and underperforming staff. Here are three reasons excessive niceness undermines effective leadership.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:5-6, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 9:8-9, Colossians 3:23  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: leadership, Preaching, Leadership, preaching, Organizational Health  (view more)  (view less)

What Do Your People Want To Hear From The Pulpit?

By Ron Allen on Sep 13, 2020

Research with 263 churchgoers reveals what listeners truly want from sermons: biblical depth, real-life connection, and courage on hard issues.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:22, Acts 20:27, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership

Bold Preaching: The Surprising Connection Between Amos And Us

By Nathan Aaseng on Jan 13, 2026

This article challenges preachers to reflect on whether they resemble Amos or the court prophets, and urges courage in proclaiming hard truths from God’s Word.

Tags: Prophetic Preaching, preaching, Church and Culture, Courage in Ministry, Preaching Challenges, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Relevant, Old Paths

By Rev. Burk Parsons on Nov 25, 2022

If we are to redirect the current paths of young people, we must begin in the church by taking up the charge to come alongside younger men and women, and teach them the old, ancient values of God's Word.

Tags: teach, BIBLE STUDY, bible truth, Bible Study, Bible Truth, pastoral leadership, teach children, call to discipleship, guard the truth, child training, bible study  (view more)  (view less)

Martin Luther On How To Study Theology

By Randy Alcorn on Jun 15, 2025

Martin Luther offered timeless guidance for studying theology: pray for the Spirit, meditate deeply on Scripture, and pursue humility in teaching and preaching.

Scripture: Psalm 119:72, Psalm 119:18, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 8:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, BIBLE STUDY, Bible Study, martin luther, randy alcorn, bible study, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

When Weak Preaching Tries To Hide Behind Emotion

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Aug 24, 2021

Preaching that lacks theological depth and biblical grounding cannot be rescued by emotional tactics. Faithful preaching requires hard work and reverence for God’s Word.

Scripture: Romans 14:1-23, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 4:2, James 3:1, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, pulpit, Insult, Homiletics, frown, preaching, Pulpit  (view more)  (view less)

11 Signs Your Church Is Going Extinct

By Carey Nieuwhof on Nov 12, 2025

Unless you’re in a free fall right now, it can be hard to know whether your congregation will thrive, survive or take a dive in the next decade.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1-11

Tags: preaching, church, Church, Preaching

5 Questions A Pastor Should Ask Every Year

By Josh Reich on Jan 25, 2021

As leaders, we can sometimes stand in the way of change. Instead, let's take a hard look at our lives and ask these five questions to grow as leaders.

Tags: Preaching

Preach The Person, Not Just The Principles

By Peter Mead on Apr 22, 2025

Too many sermons teach responsibility without revealing Christ. Faithful preaching must center on the living Person, not merely biblical advice.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:2, John 12:32, Colossians 1:27-28, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Philippians 3:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, preaching, Spiritual Formation

Preaching Thanksgiving Without Guilt

By David J. Lose on Nov 17, 2025

Thanksgiving sermons often default to moral commands about gratitude. Luke 17 offers a better approach: teach people to notice grace.

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 103:2, Colossians 3:15-17, Hebrews 6:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: people, Preaching, Thanks, gratitude, Thanksgiving Holiday, preaching, Gratitude  (view more)  (view less)

3 Indispensable Preaching Truths

By Tim Spivey on Feb 20, 2026

Experience teaches pastors that preaching involves far more than crafting a sermon. Faithful preaching shapes hearts, theology, and the direction of the church.

Scripture: Matthew 13:3-9, Hebrews 4:12, John 6:68, 2 Timothy 4:2, James 1:21  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preaching, sermon preparation, Ministry, Truth, Preaching, effective, Sermon Preparation, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

When You Feel Hopeless As A Leader

By Josh Reich on Jun 13, 2023

At some point as a leader, you will feel hopeless. As a pastor it will more than likely happen after the weekend. It is hard to keep hope alive all the time as a leader.

Tags: Preaching, leaders, preaching

The Power Of Multisensory Preaching

By Rick Blackwood on Jun 1, 2020

Multisensory preaching engages more of the listener, increases clarity and retention, and can reignite your joy in teaching by making sermons more vivid and memorable.

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Tags: Church, Communication, Preaching, pastor, wake up, Cohabitation, preaching, church, sermon preparation, Teaching Tools, Pastoral Communication, Creative Ministry, adult children, Communication General, God's dwelling place, Pastor, Sermon Preparation, communication, illustration, Clarity, time is at hand, Homiletics, Awake, Dress Properly  (view more)  (view less)